How Can Physical Therapy Help With Neuropathy?

Physical pain and numbness can arise from a variety of factors, whether it’s from sports injuries or due to a medical condition.  If you feel restricted by pain or stiffness, physical therapy offers a pathway to relief.

Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, enhances blood flow, and alleviates neuropathic pain with various exercises and stretching techniques. Its personalized approach tailors treatment plans for your specific condition, making it an effective method to improve mobility for your everyday activities. If you’re having trouble moving or feel uncomfortable doing everyday tasks, physiotherapy can help you regain your abilities and confidence.

Advanced Pain Care in Round Rock and Austin has a team of experienced physical therapy specialists and neuropathy doctors who treat peripheral neuropathy and other neural conditions. We offer personalized physiotherapy programs to help you achieve a greater sense of normalcy, significantly reducing the limitations of pain. Schedule an appointment with our specialized physical therapy clinic today!

Understanding Neuropathy Pain

Knowing different aspects of neuropathic conditions helps one understand how to manage and treat them effectively.

Types of Neuropathy

Four main types of neuropathy can affect different parts of your body:

• Peripheral Neuropathy – This neuropathy affects peripheral nerves, which extend from the brain and spinal cord to the body’s organs and limbs. It can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, typically beginning in the hands and feet and potentially spreading to other areas of the body. 
• Autonomic Neuropathy – It impacts the nerves responsible for involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and bladder control. Symptoms vary but may include dizziness, digestive problems, temperature regulation issues, and sexual dysfunction.
• Proximal Neuropathy – Also known as diabetic neuropathy or radiculoplexus neuropathy, it affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs. It can cause intense pain, weakness, and muscle loss, often impacting one side of the body more than the other.
• Focal Neuropathy – This form of neuropathy (mononeuropathy) damages a single nerve or a small group, typically caused by injury or pressure. This can lead to sudden, sharp pain, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist nerve compression) and Bell’s palsy (facial nerve paralysis).

Symptoms:

Some of the common symptoms of neuropathy include:

• Pain: A burning, sharp, or stabbing sensation, often more intense at night.
• Tingling: A prickling or “pins and needles” feeling, typically in the hands and feet.
• Numbness: A loss of sensation or the ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain.
• Muscle Weakness: Difficulty with movements and tasks that require strength, possibly resulting in gradual muscle weakness over time.

Causes and Risk Factors:

A few reasons and complications leading to neuropathy pain and conditions include:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, a common cause of diabetic neuropathy.
• Chemotherapy: Some cancer treatments may cause neuropathy as a side effect.
• Injuries: Trauma or accidents can lead to nerve damage and neuropathy.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can inflame nerves.
• Genetics: Certain neuropathies can be inherited, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
• Infections: Viral infections such as HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, or shingles may result in neuropathy.

Understanding the different types of neuropathy, symptoms, causes, and risk factors is essential for diagnosing neuropathy early and managing it effectively.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Neuropathy Treatment

Physical therapy involves exercises, hands-on techniques, and other methods to support body movements, strengthen muscles, and improve function. Its goal is to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore physical abilities. 

Physical therapy for neuropathy focuses on reducing pain through specific exercises, hands-on therapy, and customized treatments aimed at enhancing comfort.. It also improves mobility, making it easier for individuals to engage in exercise and stretching routines. Ultimately, it helps enhance body movements and functionality, enabling patients to perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence.

Pain Management: Physical therapy plays a critical role in managing neuropathy pain through various methods. Hands-on treatments, such as massage and joint mobilization, are effective in reducing pain and improving blood circulation. Guided exercise routines encourage the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals known as endorphins. Additionally, treatments like heat, cold, ultrasound, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) provide temporary pain relief and reduce swelling, playing a key role in pain management for neuropathy. These approaches are tailored to each patient’s specific needs for effective pain management and relief. 

Improved Mobility and Function: Neurotherapy treatment includes improving movement and daily function through targeted exercises. Physical therapies like strength training help build muscle strength, support joint function, and improve stability to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching exercises help maintain muscle and joint flexibility, preventing stiffness and promoting a wider range of movement. Balance training exercises like tai chi and yoga enhance coordination and lower the risk of falls, which is especially important for individuals with neuropathy.

Preventing Further Damage: Physical therapy employs techniques to prevent further harm and worsening symptoms in patients. Devices like orthotics or braces can protect sensitive areas and enhance body alignment. Patients also receive personalized home exercise plans to help manage their condition and promote improvement over time.  

A physical therapy specialist creates a personalized plan that may also include instruction on posture, body mechanics, and assistive devices to help with daily activities and prevent further injury.

How to Get Started with Physical Therapy

Starting physical therapy involves several important steps to ensure a successful treatment experience. During your initial visit, your therapist will assess your medical history, current symptoms, and limitations. This assessment helps them understand your goals and create a treatment plan that treats your unique condition. Your treatment may include exercises, hands-on therapy, and education about managing your condition at home.

Your therapist will monitor your progress throughout your treatment and adjust the plan accordingly. Consistency in attending therapy sessions and following your home exercise routine is essential for achieving the best results.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do You Need?

Consult a specialized physical therapist certified in areas such as GCS, NCS, or OCS, demonstrating expertise in orthopedics, neurology, or geriatrics. Check their qualifications, certifications, and patient reviews to ensure individualized treatment, especially for peripheral and/or diabetic neuropathy.

Specific Physical Therapy Techniques for Neuropathy

Customized strategies for physical therapy are designed to alleviate neuropathic symptoms and enhance overall health.

• Exercise Programs: A variety of exercises, including strength training, balance exercises, and aerobic exercises, offer numerous benefits. Strength training builds muscle, balance exercises improve stability, and aerobic exercises boost cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Massage and joint mobilization are manual therapy techniques that relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility and range of motion.
• Modalities and Assistive Devices: Some therapeutic tools play an important role in treatment. TENS units reduce pain signals, ultrasound therapy promotes healing, and orthotic devices support proper alignment.

Ready to enhance your neuropathy treatment plan? Consider integrating physical therapy into your care regimen with Advanced Pain Care. Our experienced therapists and neuropathy doctors are trusted for their specialties and rank among the top results for “the best physical therapy near me.” We plan pain management according to your unique needs to maximize your recovery and quality of life. Book your appointment.